In recognition of the 100 years of supporting local agriculture on Vancouver Island, Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick, is presenting a Century Farm Award to the Coombs Farmers' Institute.

Brought together in February 1914, the Coombs Farmers' Institute started as a small group of producers dedicated to supporting and fostering local agriculture. Today, the organization has 20 members ranging from poultry, mixed fowl, cattle and goat producers to forage crops, fruit, vegetable and shellfish producers.

The Coombs Farmers' Institute hosts the Annual Farm Livestock and Equipment Auction providing consignors the opportunity to sell quality, farm-related merchandise to local farmers and ranchers from all over Vancouver Island and other nearby islands. The auction raises upward of $5,000 a year, which is returned to the community as scholarships or as funding for local projects. As part of its mandate, the institute grants one to two scholarships annually, benefiting students furthering their education in an agricultural field.

Money raised at the auction supports the Arrowsmith Agricultural Association who host  the annual Coombs Fall Fair. In 2013, the institute granted $6,000 to the association for the purchase of a mobile stage. As well, the institute continues to provide funding year after year in support of local agriculture and the community.

Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for 100 years. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C. The Century Farm award program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Quotes:

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick -

“B.C. producers work incredibly hard to supply British Columbians with the best food. Support for regional producers and their communities through organizations like the Coombs Farmers’ Institute ensure that B.C. farmers and ranchers are educated, supported and encouraged to produce high-quality products for B.C. families to enjoy.”

Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell -

“Producers coming together to support local agriculture is a great way to help sustain regional farming on Vancouver Island. It is an honour to present the Coombs Farmers’ Institute with a Century Farm Award honouring the work that has taken place over the last 100 years.”

Janet Thony, president, Coombs Farmers’ Institute -

"We believe that Vancouver Island has a vibrant amalgamation of agricultural communities, who are educated about the diverse problems affecting modern food production. Community agriculture deserves its own voice and we are delighted to be recognized for the work we’ve done and continue to do to support local farmers, their families and communities.”

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.’s Century Farm Program: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.htm

Coombs Fall Fair: http://www.coombsfair.com/

For a comprehensive list of B.C. fairs: www.bcfairs.ca

Media Contacts:

Dave Townsend
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098

Janet Thony
President
Coombs Farmers’ Institute
250 738-0888